New Olympic Team Appeal WA chairman Andrew Vlahov calls for patriotism to help pay for the dreams of WA athletes

WA Olympic legend Andrew Vlahov has urged West Australians to embrace a more patriotic “green and gold” psyche to help fund the dreams of local athletes.

Vlahov, who has replaced former premier Richard Court as the Olympic Team Appeal WA chairman, wants to work with the State Government to devise a better funding model for athletes.

In February, The West Australian revealed the McGowan Government had pulled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the nation’s Olympic funding campaign because it did not trust Eastern States-based administrators to give the cash to WA athletes.

But Vlahov was adamant the WA appeal would meet its $1 million target and craft a fundraising model that would have a legacy long into the future, including a Green and Gold Ball he hoped would be a feature of the State’s annual social calendar.

“We’ve reached a point where we need to make some innovative changes to how we do it,” the four-time Olympian said.

“We want people to understand how difficult it is for Olympians to get there ... it is bloody hard and I feel embarrassed that I haven’t done enough. Like all Aussies, WA punches above its weight, we want to keep that going and we need the support of everybody.

“The green and gold is more than just about aspiration, it’s a source of national and State pride. If you’re capable of supporting, you should.”

The Olympic Team Appeal WA launch will be at Government House on August 1.